Questions Raised Over Process and Cost of Enfield’s New Town Attorney

Residents in Enfield, Connecticut are continuing to raise concerns following the February 2, 2026 meeting of the Enfield Town Council, when the town’s attorney was replaced after a closely divided vote.

The decision followed a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued after the new council majority was sworn in last November. Minority councilors questioned both the timing and the venue of that action, citing the town charter’s requirement that such matters be discussed publicly by the full council to ensure transparency.

The RFP listed a salary range of $85,000 to $110,000. However, the contract ultimately approved included a $110,000 base salary along with an hourly billing rate of $275 for additional work—effectively eliminating a firm cap on legal spending.
During the meeting, Carol Hall introduced two amendments: one to appoint Tom Tyler as town attorney and another to cap the salary at $85,000. Both proposals were voted down by the council majority.

During debate, it was also acknowledged that the selected firm would not accept the original RFP terms. That admission prompted further questions from critics about why those parameters were bypassed and whether discussions may have occurred outside of public view. Some residents have also questioned why a firm would respond to the RFP if it was unwilling to operate within the stated framework.

Tyler had served the town since January 2024, earning between $63,000 and $65,000 annually. Supporters point to his accessibility, weekend availability, regular attendance at council meetings, and residency in town as signs of his commitment to the community. Since taking office, he resolved 11 pending legal cases—some dating back to 2021—efforts that advocates say saved the town money and brought stability to complicated legal matters.
The vote to replace him passed by a narrow 6–5 margin, with three Republicans and two Democrats opposing the move.

Critics argue that removing a proven and comparatively low-cost town attorney, while approving a significantly more expensive arrangement without detailed public justification, raises serious concerns about fiscal responsibility, transparency, and adherence to established procedures.
Residents are now calling for clearer explanations about how the new attorney was selected, why the compensation structure changed so dramatically, and why the former attorney was removed. For many in town, the issue goes beyond personalities—it centers on process, accountability, and how taxpayer dollars are being spent.

As budget pressures continue to affect municipalities across Connecticut, observers say decisions of this magnitude deserve open discussion and detailed disclosure. Whether further information will be provided remains to be seen, but for now the controversy has placed a spotlight on how Enfield conducts some of its most consequential business.